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Program Director Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

Outreach is hiring a Full-time Older Adults Program Director (with clinical licensure) at Outreach Carol Stream to serve as the clinical lead for senior services, providing direct clinical care ...

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Program Director information

See Cary, IL salary details

$29.9K

$79.3K

$139K

How much do program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for program director in Cary, IL is $79,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges program directors face when overseeing multiple projects or initiatives?

Program Directors often encounter the challenge of balancing competing priorities across several projects, while ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals. Managing diverse teams, coordinating resources, and addressing unexpected obstacles—such as shifting stakeholder requirements or budget constraints—are common aspects of the role. Effective communication, adaptability, and strong organizational skills are essential for navigating these complexities and ensuring successful program delivery. Collaboration with senior leadership and cross-functional teams is also crucial for resolving issues promptly and maintaining program momentum.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Director, you need strong leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of management experience. Experience with budgeting software, project management tools like Asana or MS Project, and familiarity with compliance standards are often necessary. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution abilities are critical soft skills that set top Program Directors apart. These skills are crucial for aligning teams, driving program success, and ensuring organizational goals are consistently met.

What is a program director?

A program director is an upper-management position found within organizations across almost all industries. Your primary job duties include coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all details of a company’s operation and programs. You monitor the budget, create community programs, supervise other managers, and develop better business practices. The exact job duties vary widely depending on industry and employer. Some program directors oversee the entire organization while others oversee specific departments. Though almost all industries utilize program directors, the two most commonly seen are business and healthcare.

What is the difference between Program Director vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram DirectorProject Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree; often prefers PMP or similar certificationsRequires a bachelor’s degree; PMP or CAPM certifications are common
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects within a program, strategic focusManages individual projects, tactical focus
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in nonprofits, corporate, government sectors for large initiativesCommon across industries for specific project execution

The Program Director focuses on overseeing multiple related projects to achieve strategic goals, while the Project Manager handles the planning and execution of a single project. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What degree do you need to be a program director?

A program director typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, management, or a specific industry-related area. Many roles also prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with experience in leadership, project management, or the specific sector they oversee.
What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Cary, IL? The most popular types of Program jobs in Cary, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Program Director jobs in Cary, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Director jobs in Cary, IL are:
What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Program Director jobs? Cities near Cary, IL with the most Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Director job openings in Cary, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,321 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Program Director-Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI)

Northwestern Medicine

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 390 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

The Program Director reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

  • The Program Director will lead planning and implementation activities for Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. This will include managing a portfolio of projects of strategic and operational importance to the organization. The Program Director will develop project work plans and performance metrics, monitor work plans and metrics to assure activities are executed on-time and on-budget, coordinate the internal and external resources to complete activities as assigned using established Process Improvement and Project Management Methodologies. The Program Directorwill effectively communicate at all levels of Management and will work closely with managers, directors and analysts to develop work plans, metrics and resources to achieve the department’s strategic goals and objectives.

The role will oversee the Valve, Aortic, Women’s Heart Care, and Adult Congenital Heart Programs within BCVI.

Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for providing Leadership to an assigned portfolio of projects/ initiatives through active engagement of NM Executives and all stakeholders.
  • Lead activities including project proposal/ charter definition, budget development, resource allocation, management, information distribution and meeting facilitation.
  • Provide proactive, clear, concise and timely communications regarding status of all initiatives and overall performance reporting among team members, NM Executives and vendor partners. Facilitate continuous exchange of ideas, information and developments.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge of Operational, Program and Project Goals:Recommends solutions that add value, strengthen project or operational outcomes, exhibits and understanding of Sponsor or user needs.
  • Achieves Results: Accountable for delivering projects and operational initiatives on-time and on-budget including successful execution/ activation, closeout and stabilization that meet stated Sponsor and stakeholder outcomes.
  • Leads in organizational development and enhancement of management competence. Develop educational, coaching and mentoring programs necessary to support the evolution as an execution-centered organization.
  • Sets explicit priorities, establishes effective action plans, and anticipates obstacles and alternatives for challenging but realistic work goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to direct and mobilize an organization by strategic thinking, decisiveness, enthusiasm, competence and integrity.
  • Demonstrate the ability to deal with the changing environment and to lead/facilitate and manage change efficiently and effectively where appropriate.Unquestionable integrity, credibility and character with demonstrated high moral, ethical behavior.

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree and minimum 8-10 years industry experience or Master’s degree and minimum 3 years experience.
  • Strong Knowledge of Microsoft: Word, Excel, Power Point, Project
  • Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills, excellent oral and communication skills, demonstrated ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers and constituents at all levels of the organization.
  • Excellent capability to lead projects with budgets in excess of $1,000,000.
  • Demonstrated project management skills.
  • Excellent oral and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively establish and maintain working relationships with peers and constituents at all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities.
  • Strong skills in working with and negotiating with external vendors.

Preferred

  • Master’s degree in related field preferred.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending on the job family.

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